
Ignition Modes
E142555
The keyless starting system has three
modes:
•Off: Turns the ignition off.
• Without applying the brake pedal,
press and release the button once
when the ignition is in the on mode,
or when the engine is running but
the vehicle is not moving.
•On: All electrical circuits are
operational and the warning lamps and
indicators illuminate.
• Without applying the brake pedal,
press and release the button once.
•Start: Starts the engine.
• Press the brake pedal, and then
press and hold the button until the
engine starts.
STARTING A GASOLINE
ENGINE
When you start the engine, the idle speed
increases, this helps to warm up the
engine. If the engine idle speed does not
slow down automatically, have your
vehicle checked by an authorized dealer.
Before starting the engine check the
following:
• Make sure all occupants have fastened
their safety belts.
• Make sure the headlamps and
electrical accessories are off.• Make sure the parking brake is on.
• Move the transmission selector lever
to position P.
• Turn the ignition key to position II. If
your vehicle is equipped with a keyless
ignition, see the following instructions.
Vehicles with an Ignition Key
Note:Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
1. Fully press the brake pedal.
2. Turn the key to position III to start the
engine. Release the key when the
engine starts.
Note:The engine may continue cranking
for up to 15 seconds or until it starts.
Note:If you cannot start the engine on the
first try, wait for a short period and try again.
Vehicles with Keyless Start
Note:Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
1. Fully press the brake pedal.
2. Press the button.
The system does not function if:
• The key frequencies are jammed.
• The key battery has no charge.
If you are unable to start the engine, do the
following:
124
Starting and Stopping the Engine

To use SelectShift, move the gearshift
lever into S (Sport). Use the +/- buttons
on the side of your gearshift lever to
manually change gears.
• Press the (+) button to upshift.
• Press the (-) button to downshift.
Note:After you have assumed manual
control with SelectShift your vehicle will
remain in this mode until you return the
gearshift lever from (S) Sport, back to (D)
Drive.
Upshift to the recommended shift speeds
according to the following chart:
Upshifts when accelerating (recom-
mended for best fuel economy)
Shift from:
15 mph (24 km/h) 1 - 2
25 mph (40 km/h) 2 - 3
40 mph (64 km/h) 3 - 4
45 mph (72 km/h) 4 - 5
50 mph (80 km/h) 5 - 6
The instrument cluster will display the
selected gear that you are currently in and
a shift indicator arrow to assist in
optimizing shifting.
SelectShift will automatically make some
shifts for you in the event that your engine
speed is running at too high, or to low an
RPM.
Note:Engine damage may occur if
excessive engine revving is held without
shifting.Manual Shifting in D (Drive) (If
Equipped)
The transmission can be manually
controlled temporarily when in D (Drive)
by using the +/- buttons on the gearshift
lever. The system will determine when
temporary manual control is no longer
desired and will revert back to automatic
control. Move the shifter to the S (sport)
position for extensive manual control.
Brake-Shift Interlock
WARNINGS
Do not drive your vehicle until you
verify that the brake lamps are
working.
When doing this procedure, you will
be taking the vehicle out of park
which means the vehicle can roll
freely. To avoid unwanted vehicle
movement, always fully set the parking
brake prior to doing this procedure. Use
wheel chocks if appropriate.
If the parking brake is fully released,
but the brake warning lamp remains
illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized
dealer.
Use the brake shift interlock lever to move
the gearshift lever from the park position
in the event of an electrical malfunction or
if your vehicle has a dead battery.
Apply the parking brake and turn the
ignition off before performing this
procedure.
1. Insert a screwdriver (or similar tool)
between the shifter bezel and the top
finish panel.
2. Use the tool to unsnap the shifter bezel
from the finish panel.
137
Transmission

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
This system is a proactive system. It has
the ability to anticipate wheel slip and
transfer torque to the rear wheels before
slip occurs. Even when wheel slip is not
present, the system is continuously making
adjustments to the torque distribution, in
an attempt to improve straight line and
cornering behavior, both on and off road.
The system automatically turns on every
time you switch the ignition on.
All components of the system are sealed
and do not require maintenance.
USING FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
Note:When a system malfunction is
present, a warning message will be
displayed in the information display. See
Information Messages (page 91). This
means the system is not functioning
correctly and has defaulted to front-wheel
drive only. Have your vehicle checked by an
authorized dealer.
Note:A message will be displayed in the
information display when the system
overheats and switches to front-wheel drive.
This condition may occur if you operate your
vehicle in extreme high load conditions or
with excessive wheel slip, (i.e. deep sand).
To resume four-wheel drive function as soon
as possible, stop your vehicle in a safe
location and switch the ignition off. After
the system cools and normal four-wheel
drive functionality resumes, a message will
be displayed for approximately five seconds.
Note:If a warning message appears in the
information display when using the spare
tire, it should turn off after reinstalling the
repaired or replaced road tire and you switch
the ignition on.Note:It is recommended that you reinstall
the repaired tire or replace the tire as soon
as possible. Major dissimilar tire sizes
between the front and rear axles could
cause system damage or default the system
to front-wheel drive.
The system gives your vehicle some limited
off-road capabilities. Operating your
vehicle in conditions other than moderate
sand, snow, mud or rough roads could
subject it to excessive stress and heat
which could result in system damage. This
will not be covered by your vehicle
warranty.
E142669
A graphic will be displayed in the
information display to advise you of the
power distribution between the front and
rear wheels. The more the area is filled the
more power is being distributed to that
wheel.
Driving in Special Conditions With
Four-Wheel Drive
Four-wheel drive vehicles are suitable for
driving on sand, snow, mud and rough
roads and have operating characteristics
that are somewhat different from
conventional vehicles, both on and off the
freeway.
Note:It may be useful to switch Traction
control off. This allows for more wheel spin
and engine torque in certain off road
conditions or if your vehicle becomes stuck.
140
Four-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)

BLIND SPOT MONITOR
Blind Spot Information System
(BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert (If
Equipped)
WARNING
To help avoid injuries, NEVER use the
BLIS as a replacement for using the
interior and exterior mirrors and
looking over your shoulder before changing
lanes. BLIS is not a replacement for careful
driving and only an assist.
A
A
E124788
BLIS aids you in detecting vehicles that
may have entered the blind spot zone (A).
The detection area is on both sides of the
vehicle, extending rearward from the
exterior mirrors to approximately 10 feet
(3 meters) beyond the bumper. The
system is designed to alert you if certain
vehicles enter the blind spot zone while
driving.
Cross Traffic Alert is designed to warn you
of vehicles approaching from the sides
when the transmission is in R (Reverse).Note:BLIS is not designed to prevent
contact with other vehicles or objects; or to
detect parked vehicles, people, animals or
infrastructure (fences, guardrails, trees,
etc.). It is designed to alert the driver to
vehicles in the blind zones.
Note:When a vehicle passes quickly
through the blind zone, typically fewer than
two seconds, the system does not trigger.
Using the Systems
BLIS turns on when the engine is started
and the vehicle is driven forward above 3
mph (5 km/h); it remains on while the
transmission is in D (Drive) and N
(Neutral). If shifted out of D (Drive) or N
(Neutral), the system enters cross traffic
alert mode. Once shifted back into D
(Drive), BLIS turns back on when the
vehicle is driven above 3 mph (5 km/h).
Note:BLIS does not function in R (Reverse)
or P (Park) or provide any additional
warning when a turn signal is on.
Cross Traffic Alert is designed to detect
approaching vehicles from up to 45 feet (14
meters) away though coverage decreases
when the sensors are blocked. Reversing
slowly helps increase the coverage area and
effectiveness.
WARNING
To help avoid personal injury, NEVER
use the cross traffic alert system as
a replacement for using the interior
and exterior mirrors and looking over your
shoulder before backing out of a parking
space. Cross traffic alert is not a
replacement for careful driving and only
an assist.
160
Driving Aids

ECO MODE
This system assists you in driving more
efficiently by constantly monitoring
characteristics of gear changing,
anticipation of traffic conditions and
speeds while driving.
The value of these characteristics is
represented by petals shown in the display,
with five petals being the most efficient.
The more efficiently you drive, the better
the rating, and the better your overall fuel
economy
Note:These efficiency values do not result
in a defined fuel consumption figure. It might
vary as it is not only related to these driving
habits, but also influenced by many other
factors such as short trips and cold starts.
Note:Frequent short trips, where the engine
does not fully warm up, will also increase
fuel consumption
The system is accessed using the
information display control. See General
Information (page 88).
Type 1
ABE142444
Anticipation A
Efficient speed BAnticipation
Adjust your vehicle speed and the distance
to other vehicles to avoid the need for
heavy braking or acceleration to improve
fuel economy.
Efficient speed
Reduce your cruising speed on open roads
to improve economy. Higher speeds use
more fuel.
Type 2 and 3
The relevant information is shown in the
display.
Resetting Eco Mode
Reset the average fuel consumption by
using the information display control.
Note:New values may take a short time to
calculate
STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNINGS
The electric power steering system
has diagnostic checks that
continuously monitor the system to
ensure proper operation. When a system
error is detected a steering message will
appear in the information display.
The electric power steering system
has diagnostic checks that
continuously monitor the system to
ensure proper operation of the electronic
system. When an electronic error is
detected, a message will be displayed in
the information display. If this happens,
stop the vehicle in a safe place, and turn
164
Driving Aids

Ford Motor Company produces a towing
manual for all authorized tow truck
operators. Have your tow truck operator
refer to this manual for proper hook-up
and towing procedures for your vehicle.
It is acceptable to have your front-wheel
drive vehicle towed from the front if using
proper wheel lift equipment to raise the
front wheels off the ground. When towing
in this manner, the rear wheels can remain
on the ground.
Front-wheel drive vehicles must have the
front wheels placed on a tow dolly when
towing your vehicle from the rear using
wheel lift equipment. This prevents
damage to the transmission.
Towing a four-wheel drive vehicle requires
that all wheels be off the ground, such as
using a wheel lift and dollies or flatbed
equipment. This prevents damage to the
transmission, four-wheel drive system and
vehicle.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
If your vehicle becomes inoperable
(without access to wheel dollies,
car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transport
vehicle), it can be flat-towed (all wheels
on the ground, regardless of the powertrain
and transmission configuration) under the
following conditions:
• Your vehicle is facing forward for
towing in a forward direction.
• Place the transmission in position N. If
you cannot move the transmission into
N, you may need to override it. See
Transmission (page 136).
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
• Maximum distance is 50 miles (80
kilometers).
Recreational Towing
Note:Put your climate control system in
recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust
fumes from entering the vehicle. See
Climate Control (page 101).
Follow these guidelines if you have a need
for recreational (RV) towing. An example
of recreational towing would be towing
your vehicle behind a motorhome. We
designed these guidelines to prevent
damage to your transmission.
Front-wheel drive vehicles CANNOT be
flat-towed (all wheels on the ground) as
vehicle or transmission damage may occur.
You must place the front wheels on a
two-wheel tow dolly. If you are using a tow
dolly, follow the instructions specified by
the equipment provider.
Four-wheel drive vehicles CANNOT be
flat-towed (all wheels on the ground), as
vehicle or transmission damage may occur.
It is recommended to tow your vehicle with
all four (4) wheels off the ground such as
when using a car-hauling trailer. Otherwise,
you cannot recreational tow your vehicle.
182
Towing

BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires for
approximately 300 miles (480
kilometers). During this time, your vehicle
may exhibit some unusual driving
characteristics.
Avoid driving too fast during the first 1000
miles (1600 kilometers). Vary your speed
frequently and change up through the
gears early. Do not labor the engine.
Do not tow during the first 1000 miles
(1600 kilometers).
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Your fuel economy is affected by several
things, such as how you drive, the
conditions you drive under, and how you
maintain your vehicle.
You may improve your fuel economy by
keeping these things in mind:
• Accelerate and slow down in a smooth,
moderate fashion.
• Drive at steady speeds without
stopping.
• Anticipate stops; slowing down may
eliminate the need to stop.
• Combine errands and minimize
stop-and-go driving.
• Close the windows for high-speed
driving.
• Drive at reasonable speeds (traveling
at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15% less
fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105
km/h]).
• Keep the tires properly inflated and use
only the recommended size.
• Use the recommended engine oil.
• Perform all regularly scheduled
maintenance.Avoid these actions; they reduce your fuel
economy:
• Sudden accelerations or hard
accelerations.
• Rev the engine before turning it off.
• Idle for periods longer than one minute.
• Warm up your vehicle on cold
mornings.
• Use the air conditioner or front
defroster.
• Use the speed control in hilly terrain.
• Rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving.
• Drive a heavily loaded vehicle or tow a
trailer.
• Carry unnecessary weight
(approximately 1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is
lost for every 400 lb [180 kilogram] of
weight carried).
• Drive with the wheels out of alignment.
Conditions
• Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a
trailer may reduce fuel economy at any
speed.=13q
• Adding certain accessories to your
vehicle (for example bug deflectors,
rollbars/light bars, running boards,
ski/luggage racks) may reduce fuel
economy.
• To maximize the fuel economy, drive
with the tonneau cover installed (if
equipped).
• Using fuel blended with alcohol may
lower fuel economy.
• Fuel economy may decrease with lower
temperatures during the first 8–10
miles (12–16 kilometers) of driving.
• Driving on flat terrain offers improved
fuel economy as compared to driving
on hilly terrain.
183
Driving Hints

HAZARD WARNING FLASHERS
Note:If used when the vehicle is not
running, the battery will lose charge. There
may be insufficient power to restart your
vehicle.
The hazard warning button is
located on the instrument panel.
Use it when your vehicle is
creating a safety hazard for other
motorists.
• Press the button to turn on the hazard
warning function, and the front and
rear direction indicators will flash.
• Press the button again to turn them
off.
FUEL SHUTOFF
WARNING
Failure to inspect and, if necessary,
repair fuel leaks after a collision may
increase the risk of fire and serious
injury. Ford Motor Company recommends
that the fuel system be inspected by an
authorized dealer after any collision.
In the event of a moderate to severe
collision, this vehicle is equipped with a
fuel pump shut-off feature that stops the
flow of fuel to the engine. Not every impact
will cause a shut-off.
Should your vehicle shut off after a
collision, you may restart your vehicle by
doing the following:
1. Turn the ignition off.
2. Turn the ignition to crank.
3. Turn the ignition off.
4. Turn the ignition on again to re-enable
the fuel pump.
For vehicles equipped with a push button
start system:1. Press the START/STOP button to
turn the ignition off.
2. Press the brake pedal and press the
START/STOP button (crank
attempt).
3. Remove your foot from the brake pedal
and press the START/STOP button
(ignition off).
4. Press the START/STOP button again
to re-enable the fuel system.
JUMP-STARTING THE VEHICLE
WARNINGS
The gases around the battery can
explode if exposed to flames, sparks,
or lit cigarettes. An explosion could
result in injury or vehicle damage.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which
can burn skin, eyes and clothing, if
contacted.
Use only an adequate-sized cable
with insulated clamps.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Note:Do not attempt to push-start your
automatic transmission vehicle. Automatic
transmissions do not have push-start
capability. Attempting to push-start a
vehicle with an automatic transmission may
cause transmission damage.
Note:Use only a 12-volt supply to start your
vehicle.
Note:Do not disconnect the battery of the
disabled vehicle as this could damage the
vehicle's electrical system.
Park the booster vehicle close to the hood
of the disabled vehicle, making sure the
two vehicles do not touch. Turn all
accessories off.
187
Roadside Emergencies